Telemedicina en cirugía vascular y endovascular: experiencia en un centro universitario

Background: Telemedicine became a relevant means to provide healthcare without face-to-face medical evaluation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim: To describe the effectiveness of telemedicine in vascular surgery. Materials and Methods: Review of medical records of all vascular surgery consultations carried out in a clinical hospital between April and October 2020. The main outcome measured was the resolution of the reason for consultation. Secondary outcomes were the need to request laboratory tests or imaging, the need to evaluate the patient in person, and the need for referral to hospitalization or emergency service. Results: One hundred-six new consultations and their follow-up (remotely or in person) were analyzed. A definitive diagnosis could be reached in 74% of consultations, treatment could be instituted or modified in 69% of them, and the reason for consultation could be resolved in 74% of cases. Laboratory and imaging tests were requested in 36 and 63% of consultations, respectively. Four percent of patients were referred to the emergency department or hospitalization. Conclusions: In the vast majority of consultations, it was possible to achieve a definitive diagnosis, prescribe a treatment and resolve the reason for consultation without the need for a face-to-face medical evaluation.

Cirugía convencional del aneurisma tóraco-abdominal

Background: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) is an infrequent disease and demands a highly specialized and experienced management. Open repair (OR) is the gold standard but it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Paraplegia and renal failure are the most important complications. Aim: To report our results with OR treatment of TAAA. Material and Methods: Descriptive study including all patients with TAAA operated electively and consecutively by OR between 1983 and 2019. Main outcomes are operative mortality, renal and neurological morbidity, and long-term survival. Results: We report 45 operated patients aged 33 to 84 years, 74% males. Aneurysm extension according to Crawford classification was I in 18%, II in 18 %, III in 36% and IV in 29%. Operative mortality was 4%. The frequency of paraplegia or paraparesis at discharge was 9%. No patient was discharged on hemodialysis. Survival at 5 and 10 years were 60% and 40% respectively. Conclusions: OR of TAAA is a complex procedure. Our results show perioperative mortality rates comparable to highly experienced centers. Although being a major procedure, OR remains an alternative to treat this serious condition.

Isquemia de extremidades inferiores secundaria a arteritis de la arteria temporal

Giant cell arteritis is more common in women older than 60 years, is associated with systemic inflammation symptoms and mainly involves the aortic arch and cranial arteries, specially the temporal artery. Symptomatic lower extremity arterial stenosis or occlusion is uncommon and can lead to limb loss. We report a 73-year-old woman presenting with a one-month history of lower extremity intermittent claudication of sudden onset. She also complained of fever, malaise, headache and weight loss. A non-invasive vascular study showed moderate femoral popliteal occlusive disease, with and abnormal ankle-brachial index (0.68 and 0.83 on right and left sides, respectively). An angio-computed tomography showed thickening of the aortic wall and severe stenosis in both superficial femoral arteries. Steroidal treatment was started, and a temporal artery biopsy was performed confirming giant cell arteritis. Six weeks after steroid therapy the patient had a complete remission of symptoms. A serologic exacerbation was subsequently treated with a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor Tocilizumab, obtaining long time remission.

Dolor pélvico crónico secundario a síndrome de congestión pélvica: resultados del tratamiento endovascular de la insuficiencia venosa pelviana y várices genitales / Embolization of insufficient pelvic veins for pelvic congestion syndrome: analysis of 17 cases

Background: Pelvic venous insufficiency may cause pelvic congestion syndrome that is characterized by chronic pelvic pain exacerbated by prolonged standing, sexual activity or menstrual cycle. It may be treated by embolizing the dysfunctional pelvic venous drainage and sometimes resecting vulvar, perineal and thigh varices. Aim: To assess the results of embolization of insufficient pelvic or ovarian veins on pelvic congestion syndrome. Material and Methods: Analysis of 17 female patients aged 32 to 53 years, who underwent subjected to a selective coil embolization of insufficient pelvic and/or ovarian veins through the jugular, basilic or cephalic veins. In the preoperative period, all patients had a lower extremity venous duplex pelvic ultrasound examination and some had an abdominal and pelvic CT angiogram. Results: The technical success of the procedure was 100% and no complications were registered. During a 32 month follow up, no patient had symptoms of pelvic venous insufficiency or relapse of vulvar or thigh varices. Conclusions: Embolization of insufficient pelvic and ovarian veins is a safe and successful procedure for the treatment of pelvic venous insufficiency or vulvar varices.

Insuficiencia mesentérica crónica luego de radioterapia para aórtica / Surgical revascularization for treatment of chronic mesenteric ischemia secondary to radiotherapy

Background: Chronic mesenteric ischemia is observed in older people and is often due to atherosclerosis. Radiotherapy is an important risk factor for atherosclerosis. Aim: To report our experience with chronic mesenteric ischemia secondary to retroperitoneal radiotherapy. Material and methods: Review of medical records of four male patients aged 39 to 65 years, treated for chronic mesenteric ischemia secondary to para-aortic radiotherapy between 1993 and 2011. Results: All of them had the classic symptoms of ischemia characterized by post prandial abdominal pain and weight loss. One had also isolated diarrhea episodes. Revascularization was achieved with open or endovascular surgery, with good results during a follow up period ranging from two to 20 years. Conclusions: Surgical revascularization is a good treatment for chronic mesenteric ischemia secondary to radiotherapy.

Introducción: La insuficiencia mesentérica crónica es un diagnóstico infrecuente, generalmente secundario a enfermedad aterosclerótica, siendo considerada una enfermedad de pacientes añosos. Se sabe que la radioterapia es un factor de riesgo importante para aterosclerosis. Describimos nuestra experiencia en el manejo de la isquemia mesentérica crónica secundaria a radioterapia retroperitoneal. Materiales y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo de las fichas clínicas de los pacientes tratados en nuestro centro por insuficiencia mesentérica crónica posterior a radioterapia del territorio para-aórtico entre 1993 y 2011. Resultados: Un total de 4 pacientes de sexo masculino fueron identificados. Edad promedio: 49 +/- 12 años (rango 39-65). Todos presentaron los síntomas clásicos de insuficiencia mesentérica caracterizados por dolor abdominal postprandial y baja de peso. Uno de ellos además tenía episodios repetidos de diarrea. La revascularización mesentérica se obtuvo mediante cirugía abierta o endovascular con excelentes resultados a corto y largo plazo con un seguimiento promedio de 9,3 años (rango 2-20). Discusión: El curso acelerado de la aterosclerosis posterior a radioterapia se ha descrito en múltiples territorios vasculares. Síntomas de insuficiencia mesentérica crónica pueden ser malinterpretados en estos pacientes debido a su similitud con los síntomas observados en la ileitis actínica. Un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno son críticos para evitar complicaciones mayores y deterioro de calidad de vida de estos pacientes. Conclusión: La insuficiencia mesentérica crónica inducida por radioterapia es una condición infrecuente. El manejo con cirugía abierta o endovascular son seguras y otorgan resolución sintomática a largo plazo.

Técnica de ligadura subfascial mini-invasiva de venas perforantes de las piernas / Treatment of incompetent perforator leg veins by minimally invasive subfascial ligation

Perforator vein incompetence is a specific form of lower extremitiy venous insufficiency characterized by localized hyperpigmentation, venous ulceration or recurrence of varicose veins. Surgical treatment ranges from the extensive conventional open subfascial ligation to percutaneous radiofrequency or laser techniques with unknown late outcome. A minimally invasive technique of subfascial ligation through small incisions described by Queral, with acceptable results, has been successfully used and improved in recent years by our group. Details of the technique and pre-operative managment are described.

La insuficiencia de venas perforantes es una forma de insuficiencia venosa de extremidades inferiores que se manifiesta por hiperpigmentación cutánea localizada, desarrollo de úlceras venosas o recurrencia de várices previamente operadas. Su tratamiento comprende desde cirugías cruentas como la ligadura subfascial abierta a técnicas percutáneas de radiofrecuencia o láser con resultados alejados desconocidos. Dentro de las técnicas mínimamente invasivas se encuentra la cirugía de ligadura subfascial de perforantes con mini-incisiones descrita por Queral, de eficacia demostrada y que hemos realizado y perfeccionado exitosamente en los últimos años. Se describen detalles de la técnica y de la planificación pre-operatoria de pacientes con esta patología.

Tratamiento híbrido de arteria subclavia derecha aberrante / Hybrid treatment aberrant right subclavian artery

Introduction: An aberrant right subclavian artery is the most frequent aortic arch malformation. It is frequently an incidental finding of imaging studies and serious complications may arise if left untreated. Clinical case: We present a case of a young woman with a dilated aberrant right subclavian artery that was successfully treated by a hybrid approach.

Introducción: La arteria subclavia derecha aberrante es la malformación arterial más frecuente del arco aórtico. Su diagnóstico es habitualmente un hallazgo de estudios de imágenes solicitados por otras causas pero puede tener serias complicaciones si se obtiene en forma tardía. Caso clínico: Presentamos el caso de una mujer joven con diagnóstico de arteria subclavia lusoria dilatada sometida exitosamente a tratamiento híbrido electivo.

Tratamiento endovascular de fístula aorto esofágica secundaria a cáncer de esófago: Caso clínico / Endovascular treatment of aorto-esophageal fistula due to esophageal cancer: Report of one case

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma can spread locally to neighboring organs in the mediastinum. When it invades the aorta, the patient may develop an aorto esophageal fistula (AEF), complication that carries a high mortality rate. We report a 62-year-old male with stage IV esophageal carcinoma who, after chemo radiation treatment, developed an AEF. He was successfully treated with the use of an aortic endograft. The patient died 13 months later due to progression of his cancer, without evidence of sepsis or new bleeding episodes.

Uso de endoprótesis fenestrada para la reparación de aneurismas aórticos complejos: reporte de dos casos / Fenestrated endografts for the treatment of complex aortic aneurysms: report of two cases

In the last decade endovascular repair of infrarenal aortic aneurysms (EVAR) has become increasingly popular. However, until recently patients with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (JAAA) or with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAA) were not candidates for EVAR due to the lack of an adequate landing zone to deploy the endograft. Because of considerable morbidity and mortality that traditional open surgery of these aneurysms entail, new endografts with fenestrations and branches have been developed to treat these patients. We present our initial experience with two cases, both male with coronary artery disease considered high-risk for traditional open repair. The first patient has a 4.1 cm sacular JAAA; it is repaired with a fenestrated endograft with branches for both renal arteries (RA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and a scallop for the celiac trunk (CT). The second patient has a 5.9 cm TAA with a previous aorto bifemoral bypass; because the CT is chronically occluded it is repaired with a fenestrated endograft with branches for both RA and SMA. In both patients post operative course was uneventful. Follow-up at 11 months and 30 days respectively, show adequate exclusion of the aneurysm with patency of all revascularized vessels. This new therapeutic procedure allows treatment of high-risk patients with complex aortic aneurysms in whom conventional repair entails a prohibitive surgical risk.

La reparación endovascular de un aneurisma aórtico abdominal infrarrenal (EVAR) se ha popularizado en la última década. Sin embargo, hasta ahora los pacientes con aneurisma aórtico abdominal yuxtarrenal (AAAY) o aneurisma aórtico tóracoabdominal (AATA) no eran candidatos a EVAR por ausencia de una zona sana donde apoyar la endoprótesis tubular. La reparación convencional se asocia a una morbimortalidad considerable, por lo que se han desarrollado endoprótesis capaces de acomodar ramas de la aorta que permiten tratar estos aneurismas en forma mínimamente invasiva. Presentamos la experiencia inicial de dos casos, ambos de sexo masculino y portadores de enfermedad coronaria considerados de alto riesgo para cirugía abierta. El primero, portador de un AAAY sacular de 4,1 cm de diámetro; se repara mediante el uso de endoprótesis fenestrada con ramas a ambas arterias renales (AR), arteria mesentérica superior (AMS) y una escotadura para el tronco celíaco (TC). El otro, portador de AATA de 5,9 cm de diámetro, un puente aorto bifemoral previo y TC crónicamente ocluido; se repara con endoprótesis fenestrada con ramas para las AR y AMS. Ambos pacientes presentaron una evolución post operatoria favorable. El seguimiento a 11 meses para el primero y 30 días para el segundo demuestra exclusión del aneurisma y permeabilidad de todas las arterias revasculari-zadas. Este nuevo procedimiento terapéutico abre la posibilidad de tratar pacientes de alto riesgo, portadores de aneurismas aórticos complejos, para los que una alternativa convencional implica un alto riesgo quirúrgico.

Tratamiento endovascular de lesiones traumáticas de troncos supra aórticos / Endovascular treatment of traumatic supra aortic trunk lesions

Introduction: Traumatic lesions of supra aortic trunks (SAT) have an elevated morbidity and mortality, and its treatment is technically challenging. Endovascular techniques offer an effective solution with a lower risk, making it an attractive alternative. Objectives: Retrospective review of all the patients with SAT lesions treated with endovascular techniques. Results: Between March 2000 to August 2009, 8 patients were treated, 6 men, mean age 33.6 years. Three patients suffered blunt and 5 a penetrating trauma. The injured vessels were subclavian artery in 5, brachiocephalic trunk in two and common carotid in one. Of the 5 patients with subclavian artery injury, three had associated brachial plexus injury. Six patients were treated with an endo-graft and one with coil-embolization. One patient suffered an early partial collapse of his endograft, requiring an additional bare metal stent to maintain patency. In this series there was neither neurological morbidity nor operative mortality. Follow-up is 24.3 months, and primary assisted patency is 100 percent at 21.9 months with two patients lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of SAT lesions is effective, showing low morbidity and mortality with a good mid-term patency.

Introducción: Las lesiones traumáticas de troncos supra aórticos (TSA) tienen elevada morbimor-talidad, y su tratamiento presenta un desafío técnico. Las técnicas endovasculares se presentan como una alternativa atractiva y de menor riesgo para su solución efectiva. Objetivos: Evaluar los resultados del tratamiento endovascular de las lesiones de TSA. Material y Método: Se revisaron retrospectivamente todos los pacientes sometidos a tratamiento endovascular de lesiones de TSA. Resultados: Entre Marzo de 2000 y Agosto de 2009 se intervinieron 8 pacientes, 6 hombres, edad promedio 33,6 años. El mecanismo traumático fue contuso en 3 y penetrante en 5. Los vasos afectados fueron arteria subclavia en 5, tronco braquiocefálico en 2 y carótida común en uno. De los pacientes con lesión subclavia, tres presentaron compromiso de plexo braquial asociado. Siete pacientes fueron tratados con implante de endoprótesis y uno mediante embolización. Un paciente requirió un stent no cubierto para tratar el colapso parcial precoz de una endoprótesis. No hubo morbilidad neurológica de novo ni mortalidad operatoria. El seguimiento clínico promedio es 24,3 meses. Dos pacientes se perdieron al seguimiento. La permeabilidad primaria asistida es 100 por ciento a 21,9 meses. Conclusiones: El tratamiento endovascular de lesiones de TSA es efectivo, con baja morbimortalidad y con buena permeabilidad a mediano plazo.

Tratamiento endovascular de transecciones agudas de la aorta descendente / Endovascular treatment of acute traumatic aortic rupture

Background: Traumatic rupture of the thoracic aorta as a result from high-speed deceleration injury is associated with a mortality rate of 80 percent to 90 percent at the scene of the accident. Survivors usually have life-threatening injuries to other organ systems. Standard open repair is associated with a high penoperative morbidity and mortality. Endografting offers a less invasive alternative to open surgical repair. Aim: To evaluate results of endovascular management of acute traumatic descending thoracic aortic ruptures. Methods: Between August 2002 and March 2010, patients treated for this trauma were reviewed. Results: 16 patients (fourteen males mean age 42.7 +/- 15.8 years, range 24-74) underwent endovascular treatment of an acute aortic rupture. Associated traumas in fifteen patients were: severe brain (7), spleen (4), liver (1), kidney (3) and large bone (9) injuries. Motor vehicle accidents caused 13 of the injuries and fall from height 3. Rupture was diagnosed with admission CT sean and confirmed by intraoperative angiogram. Patients were treated with thoracic aortic endograft, in 11 cases the left subclavian artery was covered with no need for further revascularization. Technical success was 100 percent, no procedure-related mortality or paraplegia was observed. One patient died 5 days after the procedure due to severe associated injuries. During a mean follow-up of 30.8 months (range 1-80), no deaths, complications or need for further interventions presented. Conclusion: Endovascular treatment of acute traumatic aortic isthmic rupture is encouraging and compares favorably to open surgical approach with low morbidity and mortality rates.

Los accidentes por desaceleración súbita se asocian a transección de la aorta torácica, falleciendo 85-90 por ciento de ellos en el sitio del suceso. Los que sobreviven presentan habitualmente politraumatismo asociado grave, teniendo la reparación quirúrgica convencional de la aorta una alta morbimortalidad. La reparación endovascular es una alternativa menos invasiva y de menor morbi-mortalidad. Objetivo: Analizar los resultados de la reparación endovascular de transecciones agudas de la aorta torácica. Pacientes y Métodos: Se revisan los antecedentes de los pacientes tratados entre agosto de 2002 y marzo de 2010. Resultados: Tratamos 16 pacientes (14 hombres, 42,7 +/- 15,8 años, extremos 24-74) con transección traumática aguda de aorta torácica descendente. Quince presentaban lesiones asociadas: traumatismo encéfalo-craneano (7), fractura de huesos largos (9), laceración esplénica (4), hepática (1), renal (3). La causa del accidente fue vehicular en 13 casos y caída de altura en 3. El diagnóstico fue realizado mediante tomograña axial computada al ingreso y luego angiograña en la sala de operaciones. El tratamiento consistió en la cobertura de la zona de transección mediante el implante de una endoprótesis, siendo necesario cubrir la arteria subclavia izquierda en 11 casos, sin requerir revascularización de la extremidad. El éxito técnico fue 100 por ciento, no hubo mortalidad relacionada al procedimiento. No hubo paraplejia. Un paciente de 60 años fallece al 5to día por lesiones asociadas graves. En el seguimiento alejado a 30,8 meses (1-80) no ha habido complicaciones ni reintervenciones. Conclusión: La cirugía endovascular es una alternativa eficaz y con baja morbimortalidad para el tratamiento de transecciones de la aorta torácica.

Uso de endoprótesis bifurcada ilíaca para revascularización hipogástrica durante tratamiento de aneurisma aorto-ilíaco / Bifurcated iliac endograft in a patient with aortic-iliac aneurysm

A difficult anatomy is the major challenge to overcome with abdominal aortic aneurysm endografting. Bilateral iliac aneurysm preventing an appropriate distal landing zone for an endograft is a common condition and can be managed by: a) Increasing the diameter of the endograft, with limitations in available sizes; b) bilateral hypogastric embolization, accepting an increased morbidity; c) combining a surgical hypogastric revascularization by retroperitonel approach or d) retrograde revascularization from the ipsilateral external iliac artery using an endograft. Recently, branched endografts have been designed to revascularize the hypo gastric artery. Their deployment is complex but allows antegrade and stable flow. We report a 57 year-old male, at high risk for an open procedure, who presented with a small aortic aneurysm, bilateral iliac and left hypogastric aneurysms. A right bifurcated iliac endograft was deployed, associated with left hypogastric aneurysm embolization and aortic endografting. The patient recovered event free, patency of the endograft and absence of endoleak was demonstrated on a CT scan. He presented minor left buttock claudication, sexual function was preserved. This new technique allows safe endovascular treatment of patients with bilateral iliac aneurysm, allowing preservation of pelvic perfusion and avoiding the risk of an open procedure in a high risk patient.

Una anatomía desfavorable es un obstáculo a vencer con el tratamiento endovascular del aneurisma aorto-ilíaco. La presencia de aneurisma ilíaco bilateral es frecuente y amenaza la adecuada fijación distal de una endoprótesis. Esta condición puede ser manejada: a) aumentando el diámetro del dispositivo a nivel ilíaco, con limitaciones en las medidas disponibles; b) embolización hipogástrica bilateral, aceptando una morbimortalidad mayor; c) combinando un abordaje quirúrgico retroperitoneal para revascularizar una arteria hipogástrica, aumentando el impacto del procedimiento; d) mediante revascularización retrógrada unilateral desde la arteria ilíaca externa ipsilateral con otra endoprótesis. Recientemente se ha descrito el uso de endoprótesis ramificadas, que requieren un despliegue complejo, pero permiten revascularizar una o ambas arterias hipogástricas en forma anterógrada y estable. Reportamos el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino y 57 años, de alto riesgo para cirugía convencional, portador de un aneurisma pequeño de aorta abdominal y aneurismas ilíaco común bilateral e hipogástrico izquierdo. Fue tratado mediante despliegue de una endoprótesis bifurcada ilíaca, revascularizando la arteria hipogástrica derecha y embolizando la izquierda aneurismática, asociado a implante de una endoprótesis aórtica convencional, también bifurcada. El paciente evoluciona sin complicaciones, con claudicación glútea izquierda leve en disminución y preservación de su función sexual. Una tomografía axial computada demuestra exclusión efectiva de sus aneurismas. Esta nueva técnica permite tratar de manera segura a pacientes portadores de aneurisma ilíaco bilateral en forma endo-vascular, manteniendo perfusión de la circulación pelviana y disminuyendo el impacto de un procedimiento convencional en pacientes de alto riesgo.

Manejo del aneurisma de la aorta abdominal: Estado actual, evidencias y perspectivas para el desarrollo de un programa nacional / Open and endovascular surgery for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurism: Review of the available evidence

Open and endovascular surgery are therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurism. The development of guidelines for its treatment requires a thorough analysis of available evidence to recommend the best treatment for each country's reality. Prospective randomized trials have shown best initial results with endovascular surgery, with higher hospital costs than open surgery. The requirement of anatomical suitability for the placement of endovascular prostheses limits the universal use of endovascular surgery. Moreover, this type of surgery needs a strict imaging and clinical follow up due to the high rates of late complications, which range from 20 percent to 40 percent. Many of these complications require further surgical interventions, elevating costs of treatment. The initial benefit of endovascular surgery is lost during long follow up as survival curves become similar to those of open surgery. Even for patients with a high surgical risk, the benefits of endovascular surgery are doubtful.

Filtros de vena cava inferior en posición suprarrenal / Suprarenal inferior vena cava filters: retrospective review of 30 cases

Background: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent massive pulmonary embolism in cases where anticoagulation is contraindicated or has failed. It is usually implanted below the renal veins. In a few cases it is necessary to deploy the filter above them, with theoretical rísk of secondary renal failure. Aim: To report the experience with filters located above the renal veins. Patients and Methods: Medical records of all patients with percutaneous suprarenal filters are reviewed. Results: Between May 1993 and May 2007, 361 percutaneous IVC filter procedures were performed. In thirty patients aged 19 to 77 years (average 48years, 50 percent males), they were placed in suprarenalposition (8,3 percent). Suprarenal IVC filters were implanted in patients with extensive caval thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis extending to cava, displacement of previous IVC filters and double IVC system. Jugular vein approach was the access of choice. Technical success was 100 percent, no death or pulmonary embolism occurred. Patients were followed from 1 to 165 months (average 57 months). Eight deaths were recorded, five in patients with cáncer No patient had renal failure on follow up (average creatinine 0.90+0,26 mg/dL). Three patients developed a new deep vein thrombosis (10 percent), without pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis of patients, suprarenal placement of IVC filters was not associated to secondary renal failure, and showed good short and long term results.

Tratamiento endovascular de la disección aórtica tipo B mediante endoprótesis / Endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection

Background: Dissections that involve the ascending aorta are classified as type A, regardless of the site of the primary intimal tear, and all other dissections as type B. Type B dissections can have fatal ischemic and hemorrhagic complications. In the chronic state, dilatation and rupture can be mortal. Endovascular surgery is a therapeutic alternative, considering the high rate of complications of conventional surgery Aim: To report the results of endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection. Material and methods: Report of 36 treated patients (30 males) aged 43 to 87 years, with a type B aortic dissection. Seventy eight percent were hypertensive and 39 percent smoked. The diagnosis was conñrmed by CAT sean. Acute patients were treated for complications and chronic patients, for dilatation. In the operating room, an endoprothesis was placed through the femoral artery, to cover the tear. The tear was located and the lumens were differentiated using angiography and transesophageal echocardiography. Results: All procedures were successful. In 16 acute dissections the indications were malperfusion syndrome or unmanageable hypertension in seven patients and imminent rupture or persistent pain in nine. Twenty chronic patients were operated due to dilatation (mean 6 cm). One patient died due to cardiac failure. One patient had a transient paraparesia and two had pulmonary embolism. No patient died in a follow up períod ranging from 2.5 to 74 months. Four patients required a new aortic endovascular procedure due to progressive dilatation or endoleak. Conclusión: Endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection has good immediate andlong term results.

Tratamiento percutaneo de aneurismas aorto-ilíacos / Percutaneous treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysm

Introducción: La reparación endovascular de aneurismas abdominales e ilíacos requiere de la introducción de dispositivos de alto calibre (> 16 F) mediante denudación de arterias femorales. Mediante una variación técnica, el sistema de sutura arterial percutanea Prostar-XL® (Abbott, EEUU) permite el acceso arterial percutaneo evitando la denudación. Objetivo: Analizar la experiencia inicial en el tratamiento percutaneo de aneurismas del territorio aorto-ilíaco. Material y Método: Revisión de las historias clínicas y base de datos de pacientes tratados con sutura arterial percutanea, entre octubre de 2003 y abril de 2008. Resultados: Tratamos 22 pacientes con esta técnica (20 hombres y 2 mujeres). Dieciséis portadores de aneurisma aórtico abdominal, 3 aneurismas ilíacos, 2 reparaciones de endofuga y un aneurisma hipogástrico. La edad promedio fue 72,6 años (rango 56-86). Se utilizó el sistema Prostar XL® para sutura percutanea en 37 arterias femorales. La anestesia más utilizada fue peridural en el 50 por ciento de los pacientes. En 7 casos (31,8 por ciento) se efectuó la operación exclusivamente con anestesia local. El diámetro de los dispositivos de endoprótesis fue de 16 a 23 F. Se obtuvo éxito técnico en 34 cierres (92 por ciento). Tres arterias requirieron reparación quirúrgica tradicional. No hubo mortalidad operatoria. Durante el seguimiento (promedio 12,6 meses, rango 1-53) no se registraron falsos aneurismas femorales ni infección. Discusión: El cierre percutaneo en la reparación endovascular de aneurismas aorto-ilíacos es un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo, seguro y efectivo, que permite eventualmente el uso de anestesia local.

Introduction: Endovascular repair of aortic (AAA) and iliac artery aneurysms requires introduction and deployment of large bore devices (> 16 F) through surgical exposure of the femoral artery. The Prostar XL ® arterial suture system allows the introduction of such devices without the need for surgical exposure. Aim: To report our initial experience with percutaneous arterial closure during aneurysm endografting. Methods: We reviewed records and database of patients treated with this technique between October2003 and April 2008. Results: We treated 22 patients with this technique (20 men and 2 women, average age 72 years). Sixteen had AAA, 3 iliac artery aneurysm, 1 hypogastric aneurysm and two for endoleak repair. The percutaneous closure device was used in 37 femoral arteries. In 7 patients (31,8 percent) the operation was completed entirely under local anaesthesia. The diameter of the devices ranged between 16 and 23 F. Technical success was obtained in 34 arteries (92 percent). Three arteries required surgical repair due to inadequate haemostasis (sheaths 18, 21, and 21 F). There was no operative mortality. During follow-up (mean 12,6 months, range 1-53) no false aneurysm or infection at the puncture site has been registered and the patients remain free of complications. Discussion: Percutaneous arterial closure in endovascular aneurysm repair is a safe, minimally invasive and effective procedure which allows resolving theses serious conditions in selected patients.

Tumor del cuerpo carotídeo: A propósito de 10 casos tratados / Carotid body tumors: Report of ten cases

Background: Carotid body tumors arise from a cellular conglomerate located at the carotid bifurcation. Progressive enlargement can involve the arterial wall and neighbor cranial nerves. Aim: To report a series of 10 patients treated of carotid body tumors and review national experience. Patients and methods: Between 1984 and 2006, we operated 8 women and 2 men, aged 19 to 75 years, with this type of tumor. Results: The most common cause for consultation was a cervical mass in 90 percent, with a mean evolution lapse of 13.2 months (range 3 to 126). In all cases, diagnosis was confirmed with angiographic imaging and histopathology. Ten tumors were surgically removed with no complications. Eighty percent of tumors were in stage II according to Shamblin classification. During long term follow up all patients have remained asymptomatic. Only 31 carotid body tumors have been reported in Chilean medical literature during a 43 year period. Conclusions: Paragangliomas of the carotid body can be diagnosed in clinical grounds, requiring vascular imaging. These infrequent lesions are generally benign, early surgical removal by surgeons with vascular expertise avoids neurological and or vascular complications.

Interrupción de la vena cava inferior mediante filtros de inserción percutánea: Indicaciones y resultados en 287 pacientes / Percutaneous inferior vena cava filters: Indications and results in 287 patients

Background: Anticoagulation is the treatment of choice for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Occasionally this treatment is contraindicated or fails to prevent PE. In these patients, inferior vena caval (IVC) interruption is indicated and insertion of a filter is the most commonly performed procedure. Aim: To report the experience with IVC filters. Material and methods: Retrospective review of all medical records and operative protocols of patients subjected to IVC filter implantations. Follow up was performed by telephone contact with the patient, relatives or primary physicians, ambulatory consultation or by death certificates. Results: During the period 1993-2005 we implanted IVC filters on 287 patients, 55.4 percent male, average age: 62.1 yrs (17-99). Indications for the procedure were DVT or PE and contraindication of anticoagulation in 141 patients (49.1 percent), DVT or PE and complication of anticoagulation in 65 patients (22.6 percent), prophylaxis in 39 patients (13.6 percent), massive PE or poor respiratory function in 31 patients (10.8 percent), paradoxal emboli in 4 patients (1.4 percent) and other causes in seven patients. All percutaneous devices were successfully inserted. There was no morbidity or mortality related to the procedure. The most frequent access site was the internal jugular vein (66.6 percent). In 24 patients (8.4 percent) the filter was intentionally deployed above the renal veins. Six patients (2.1 percent) were lost to follow up after discharge. A mean follow up of 41.5 months was achieved. Ninety one patients died, with a 5 years survival of 64.7 percent. Symptomatic recurrent PE occurred in 6 patients (2.1 percent) and was the cause of death on 3 of them (1 percent), DVT has been detected in 22 patients (7.7 percent) during the follow up period. Conclusions: IVC filter implantation is a safe and effective short and long term measure to prevent PE and its consequences.

Tratamiento "híbrido" del aneurisma tóraco-abdominal: revascularización visceral extraanatómica e inserción de endoprótesis / Extra anatomical revascularization and endovascular stent-grafting for thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair: Report of four cases

Surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms is a big technical challenge with a high rate of complications and mortality. It requires a large exposure and transient interruption of vital organ perfusion during its repair. Endovascular repair is a less invasive alternative available over the last decade. We report four male patients aged 44 to 76 years, with thoracic aortic aneurysms and involvement of visceral aorta, treated with a two stage procedure. During the first stage, a retrograde revascularization of the superior mesenteric and renal arteries from the infrarenal aorta was done, associated in two cases to a concomitant repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm. In the second stage, an endovascular graft was placed through the femoral artery, from the segment proximal to the aneurysm to the infrarenal aorta, above the origin of the visceral artery reconstructions, excluding the aneurysm from circulation. In one patient, both stages were concomitant and in three the second stage was delayed. One patient presented a postoperative bleeding that required reintervention without adverse consequences. No patient died, presented paraplegia or deterioration of renal function. After follow up of 6 to 20 months, there is no evidence of aneurysm growth or complications derived from the procedure.

Tratamiento endovascular de aneurisma aórtico abdominal: resultados en 80 pacientes consecutivos / Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm: Results in 80 consecutive patients

Background: Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) avoids laparotomy, shortens hospital stay and reduces morbidity and mortality related to surgical repair, allowing full patient recovery in less time. Aim: To report short and long term results of endovascular repair of AAA in 80 consecutive patients treated at our institution. Patients and Methods: Between September 1997 and February 2005, three women and 77 men with a mean age 73.6±7.7 years with AAA 5.8±1.0 cm in diameter, were treated. The surgical risk of 38 percent of patients was grade III according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Each procedure was performed in the operating room, under local or regional anesthesia, with the aid of digital substraction angiography. The endograft was deployed through the femoral artery (83.7 percent bifurcated, 16.3 percent tubular graft). A femoro-femoral bypass was required in 11.3 percent of cases. Follow-up included a spiral CT scan at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and then annually. Results: Endovascular repair was successfully completed in 79/80 patients (98.7 percent technical success). The procedures lasted 147±71 min. Length of stay in the observation unit was 20.6±13.5 h. Blood transfusion was required in 10 percent. Sixty two percent of the patients were discharged before 72 h. One patient died 8 days after surgery due to a myocardial infarction (1.3 percent). During follow-up (3-90 months), 1 patient developed late AAA enlargement due to a type I endoleak, requiring a new endograft. No AAA rupture was observed. Survival at 4 years was 84.2 percent (SE =9.2). Endovascular re-intervention free survival was 82.7 percent (SE =9.5). Conclusion: Endovascular surgery allows effective exclusion of AAA avoiding progressive enlargement and/or rupture and is a good alternative to open repair. Close and frequent postoperative follow up is mandatory.